The granite ridge above Loch Awe known as the Hollow Mountain, with a hydro power station buried in a cavern deep inside it
Open accessScotland's right of responsible access applies
Rising steeply above Loch Awe, Ben Cruachan is one of the best-known mountains in Argyll and a landmark for miles around. At 1127m it’s a Munro — a Scottish hill over 3,000 feet (914m) — but it’s the shape that catches the eye: a narrow, rocky ridge of granite linking several tops, with the main summit a sharp cone at the western end. Most walkers climb it from the Falls of Cruachan on the loch shore, a steep pull up to the reservoir and then onto the ridge; stronger parties carry on east over the connecting tops to Stob Daimh for a full horseshoe, which involves some easy scrambling on rock.
People call Cruachan the Hollow Mountain, and for good reason: buried inside it is Cruachan Power Station, a hydro-electric scheme that pumps water up to a high dam and lets it fall back through turbines in a cavern deep in the rock. The visitor centre by the road runs tours into the mountain. From the summit the view stretches over Loch Etive and out towards the Argyll coast and islands. It’s a rocky, exposed hill that catches the Atlantic weather, so pick a settled day and take the usual gear.
More at hill-bagging.co.uk
